The following weeks, like a Halloween sugar coma, are a blur of e-mails, invitations, and self-conscious introductions. Before long I was carpooling to gigs and Sharpie-ing names onto water bottles. I had mysteriously memorized the words to all their songs, even the unrecorded ones. I knew the transformation was complete when I started selling tickets and CDs (they trusted me with their money!!!).

There are several advantages to being an a cappella groupie, rather than any other flavor of groupie. A cappella groupies almost never end up carrying heavy equipment such as an amp or a Wurlitzer. You can memorize and perform each members parts from the privacy of your own car, just in case one day you should have to fill in for someone due to an emergency appendectomy. And I am in the unique position of having met the guys who sing the Cool-Whip commercials! How cool am I?

The honeymoon may be over between my band and meI no longer get a thrill when one of them approaches me with the microphone during an audience-participation song. I can just shoot them a look that says come near me with that cheese grater and I'll tell everyone about your warts. On the other hand, when I hear a song for the first time, and I think about all the talent and time it took to bring that song to the stage, I am still filled with awe and, yes, pride. And I know they recognize my screaming voice in the crowd.

Camille Breeze is a textile conservator, lecturer, and self-professed groupie. If you are ever in need of a Sharpie, just ask her.